Read the Bible Through -- Can we? Finally?

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Beez

Senior Member
Nov 27, 2017
463
83
28
#1
I just wrote here on CC:
"Honesty time for me: I am completely undisciplined when it comes to reading the Bible, partially because I am very undisciplined in all other phases of life. But regarding the Bible, making that worse is the fact that I have (diagnosed) reading problems. Mix these together, and although I have been a believer for 53 years and 5 months, I have never read the Bible through. Every year, as the Gregorian new year approaches, I think about reading it through, and I've started many times, but I've never done it. . . .

"This is frustrating."


So here we are -- 2018 nipping at our heels. And I am thinking about trying again. Thinking about which Bibles to use, to help me stay focused. . . .

Do you want to do this?
What is holding you back?
Have you thought of solutions?
What will help you to do this?


For those of you who have read the Bible through:
How many times have you read the Bible through?
Do you have any suggestions for those who have not?
Do you have any encouragement (not criticism!!) for us?
 

John146

Senior Member
Jan 13, 2016
16,538
3,502
113
#2
I just wrote here on CC:
"Honesty time for me: I am completely undisciplined when it comes to reading the Bible, partially because I am very undisciplined in all other phases of life. But regarding the Bible, making that worse is the fact that I have (diagnosed) reading problems. Mix these together, and although I have been a believer for 53 years and 5 months, I have never read the Bible through. Every year, as the Gregorian new year approaches, I think about reading it through, and I've started many times, but I've never done it. . . .

"This is frustrating."


So here we are -- 2018 nipping at our heels. And I am thinking about trying again. Thinking about which Bibles to use, to help me stay focused. . . .

Do you want to do this?
What is holding you back?
Have you thought of solutions?
What will help you to do this?


For those of you who have read the Bible through:
How many times have you read the Bible through?
Do you have any suggestions for those who have not?
Do you have any encouragement (not criticism!!) for us?
An hour a day gets me through every two months. That's 1/24th of my day.
 

trofimus

Senior Member
Aug 17, 2015
10,684
794
113
#3
The question is if it is even a good idea.

I do not think I should spend the same time in every book of the bible. The New Testament is much more important for us than most of the Old Testament.

What will happen if somebody does not know all prophets or all psalms, Ester, Song of Songs etc? Actually, nothing.

What will happen if somebody does not know the New Testament properly? Many heresies, mistakes and even sins.
 

Hizikyah

Senior Member
Aug 25, 2013
11,634
372
0
#4
An audio bible can help, and

clearning ones mind, as in, relaxing, getting everything that needs to be done ahead of time done, getting everything needed during prepared, praying, focusing, and having a set apart time every wekk like the Sabbarth can be a true blessing here.
 

Beez

Senior Member
Nov 27, 2017
463
83
28
#5
. . . . . . .
 
Feb 7, 2015
22,418
413
0
#6
The question is if it is even a good idea.

I do not think I should spend the same time in every book of the bible. The New Testament is much more important for us than most of the Old Testament.

What will happen if somebody does not know all prophets or all psalms, Ester, Song of Songs etc? Actually, nothing.

What will happen if somebody does not know the New Testament properly? Many heresies, mistakes and even sins.
This is a very wise post. Just about the sum of what "reading the Bible through in a year" will do for you is cause you to neglect some really serious study of the Bible.
 

Beez

Senior Member
Nov 27, 2017
463
83
28
#7
An hour a day gets me through every two months. That's 1/24th of my day.
I wish it was so easy as this. I would write more, but I'm trying to avoid excuses. :)

The question is if it is even a good idea.

I do not think I should spend the same time in every book of the bible. The New Testament is much more important for us than most of the Old Testament.

What will happen if somebody does not know all prophets or all psalms, Ester, Song of Songs etc? Actually, nothing.

What will happen if somebody does not know the New Testament properly? Many heresies, mistakes and even sins.
I appreciate that you wrote your opinion. :)
 

Beez

Senior Member
Nov 27, 2017
463
83
28
#8
An audio bible can help, and

clearning ones mind, as in, relaxing, getting everything that needs to be done ahead of time done, getting everything needed during prepared, praying, focusing, and having a set apart time every wekk like the Sabbarth can be a true blessing here.
I have tried this and am thinking of trying it again. It does nip in the bud reading it through chronologically, which is another of my considerations. I'll think about this some more. :)
 

Beez

Senior Member
Nov 27, 2017
463
83
28
#9
This is a very wise post. Just about the sum of what "reading the Bible through in a year" will do for you is cause you to neglect some really serious study of the Bible.
Well, I'll have to strongly disagree. I will always have time for Bible study: it's time to just relax with it and read that I struggle with.

. . . Or were you kidding?
 
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trofimus

Senior Member
Aug 17, 2015
10,684
794
113
#10
This is a very wise post. Just about the sum of what "reading the Bible through in a year" will do for you is cause you to neglect some really serious study of the Bible.
Also, the Old Testament has much more pages than the New Testament.

That means that you will spend 2/3 of year (or more) in the old covenant.

What will the fruit of it be? Maybe thinking that the OT shadows are "for us today", maybe Sabbath keeping, maybe some form of judaistic tendencies... I know, these are extreme examples, but still, our time should be invested into what is current.
 
Feb 7, 2015
22,418
413
0
#11
Well, I'll have to strongly disagree. I will always have time for Bible study: it's time to just relax with it and read that I struggle with.

. . . Or were you kidding?
I wasn't kidding a bit. If, with the limited time you already seem to have, you cannot sit down and read this book you feel will be relaxing to you..... how do you think you are going to find even more time to add serous study?

If you truly want to relax with the Bible, may I suggest you purchase a copy of The Story? I got several for only $5 apiece.
 
Feb 7, 2015
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#12
Here is the first chapter of The Story.

[video]http://zondervan.typepad.com/zondervan/2012/06/listen-to-story-of-bible-with-story-niv-audiobook.html[/video]
 
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Beez

Senior Member
Nov 27, 2017
463
83
28
#13
I wasn't kidding a bit. If, with the limited time you already seem to have, you cannot sit down and read this book you feel will be relaxing to you..... how do you think you are going to find even more time to add serous study?

If you truly want to relax with the Bible, may I suggest you purchase a copy of The Story? I got several for only $5 apiece.
Actually, I am retired and have all the time in the world. It isn't a matter of time. As I wrote, I spend hours studying the Bible. That is not at all the problem.

I want to read the Bible through. Why? Because I believe there is value in doing that. I believe that I have missed much by not doing that.
 

Beez

Senior Member
Nov 27, 2017
463
83
28
#14
Here is the first chapter of The Story.

[video]http://zondervan.typepad.com/zondervan/2012/06/listen-to-story-of-bible-with-story-niv-audiobook.html[/video]
I am so sorry, Willie. I just don't consider The Story to be a real Bible. I had one years ago.:)
 
Dec 28, 2016
9,171
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#15
Do you have any encouragement (not criticism!!) for us?
4 chapters per day, and you'll have read your Bible through in one year! This would only take you less than 15 minutes per day. Just think how much you read on here? Read Scripture too, and have an open mind.

I think it is good that after 53 years you again desire to do so. One thing, please remain teachable, and correctible; 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Timothy 4:1-5. Please read the passages and accept them.

Do not take this as harsh, please consider what I say:

First, you have attempted to do away with all criticism from others by asking for no one to use criticism. Sister, such is not healthy! You must accept this. Please understand. We must all accept criticism.

Criticism is good, not bad, and critical thinking is good, not bad.

Don't put so much weight on the teachings of your sect which appears to be law keeping in focus (or something) a sect that only ministers to its members, none outside may view teachings online unless members (according to you and what you said to me).

Please dear sister, think that through! If they are preaching the true Gospel, then why does this need to be so secretive, and hidden away from non members? It is apparent to me as to why. I pray God to open your eyes to this, dear sister! Yes, I am concerned and it is a valid concern! Note Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1:15ff. I want this to come true with you.

Sister, you cannot have and hold to 2 Timothy 2:15 (read it and understand it and how important this is) until you've grasped and read the balance of Scripture, time and again. Think about this: You are secluded to a sect that does not want its teachings exposed to others outside, again, you've told me this, that no one can view their teachings unless they are members. Tell me of any true Christian group that does not want its true teachings out in the open. Some who do this secret thing are JW's, Mormons, Hebrew Roots, Black Hebrew Israelites, some Christadelphians and others. No orthodox true Gospel preaching church has ever hidden their teachings to only its members. Think about that. We are to proclaim our teachings to all unashamedly and without secrecy! The Gospel ministry is not a covert operation!

Also, please accept and listen to what others outside your group share with you that may and will go against your doctrine. Angela53510, Laish, dcontroversal, SovereignGrace, Iconoclast, Depleted, phil36, sparkman, TruthTalk, eternally_gratefull, Grandpa, trofimus, BillG and some others here can help you understand and learn.

Sister, I am saying this in love. And please do read your Bible. Drop what you are doing, read 4 chapters per day.

Here is what I do: I put a bookmark in Genesis, then one in Psalms, then another one in Matthew. I read a little of Genesis, then some of Psalms, then some Matthew and move each bookmark along as I read. When my bookmark in Genesis ends up in Psalms, and when the one in Psalms ends up in Matthew, and the one in Matthew ends up at the end of Revelation you'll have read through the Bible! Then repeat it, do it again. Also, you can add ribbons to your Bible to do this, for a total of 3 ribbons.

And yes, I have read the Bible many times through, and still do now, twice per year at least. I only say this because you have asked.

Please dear sister, consider and do what I am pleading with you here on. It is out of love and concern, and it is a valid concern!
 
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trofimus

Senior Member
Aug 17, 2015
10,684
794
113
#16
4 chapters per day, and you'll have read your Bible through in one year! This would only take you less than 15 minutes per day.
Sometimes, I spend about hour reading one chapter in the New Testament, because I need to think it through. And then, I need to return to that on another day.

If I would try to make the reading quick to get the daily goal, it would actually lead me into knowing the Bible less...

Which is probably what Willie is also talking about.
 
Feb 7, 2015
22,418
413
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#18
Sometimes, I spend about hour reading one chapter in the New Testament, because I need to think it through. And then, I need to return to that on another day.

If I would try to make the reading quick to get the daily goal, it would actually lead me into knowing the Bible less...

Which is probably what Willie is also talking about.
You have exactly identified the benefits of studying the Bible, and also the danger in just wanting to be able to say you have read all the words in a year.
 
Dec 28, 2016
9,171
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#19
Sometimes, I spend about hour reading one chapter in the New Testament, because I need to think it through. And then, I need to return to that on another day.

If I would try to make the reading quick to get the daily goal, it would actually lead me into knowing the Bible less...

Which is probably what Willie is also talking about.
It is all relative. I am not suggesting to just read it quickly to chalk up the deed for the day. I get what you're saying though and yes this needed to be clarified.

For me, I get a lot out of reading it this way, see things there that help and bless me and that stick with me as well. It is a discipline that keeps my mind in all areas of Scripture. There is also more intense reading of portions of Scripture as well for me besides daily readings.

But let's not be too critical on these details for a beginner or expect "advanced methods" and disciplines at the first. The finer details will come with the expansion of this discipline imo.
 

John146

Senior Member
Jan 13, 2016
16,538
3,502
113
#20
Actually, I am retired and have all the time in the world. It isn't a matter of time. As I wrote, I spend hours studying the Bible. That is not at all the problem.

I want to read the Bible through. Why? Because I believe there is value in doing that. I believe that I have missed much by not doing that.
I decided I had to do something radical in my life if I wanted to get serious with God's word. I changed my morning routine and woke up an hour early to get my reading in for the day. In the quiet of the morning, I allowed God to speak to me through His word, uninterrupted. It has gotten me more familiar with His word and helps a great deal when I study. I can recall certain things better.

Praying = talking to the Lord
Reading = allowing the Lord to speak to me
Studying = preparing to minister to others

We need all three.